Back to the 1970s: Building My Fortune Through Time Trading-Chapter 325: Trying to Steal the Chicken, Only to Lose the Rice
"Her? In a managerial role? The General Manager must be blind."
Zhang Dongmei pursed her lips, her expression disdainful.
Su Xiaoxiao hadn’t intended to mention that the General Manager wanted her to be the Sales Manager, as it felt like showing off.
But hearing Zhang Dongmei’s words, she decided to flaunt a little.
"Sister Zhang, how did you know the General Manager wants me to be the Sales Manager?"
"What? The General Manager really wants to promote you to Sales Manager?"
Zhang Yulan widened her eyes in surprise, not expecting her casual guess to hit the mark.
"But I refused. I’ve been at the department store for too short a time, and I lack the experience some of the older employees have..."
Before Su Xiaoxiao could finish, Zhang Dongmei’s mocking voice interrupted her again.
"The General Manager wants you to be the Sales Manager? Why not say the City Head asked you to be Deputy Director? You’re making stuff up without even drafting it first. Do you know your own limits?"
"Watch your words! You’re just being sour grapes."
Before Su Xiaoxiao could respond, Zhang Yulan spoke up on her behalf.
"Jealous of her? Why would I be jealous of her? What’s there to be jealous of?"
Zhang Dongmei exploded on hearing this.
How could she possibly be jealous of Su Xiaoxiao, who has a father who’s a criminal and comes from such a poor family?
Zhang Yulan snorted, "Xiaoxiao is prettier than you and more capable. It’s all thanks to her that the clothing section’s business is so good now. Moreover, she was personally invited by Haining City’s senior management for guidance work the other day. And look at you, failing at everything, leaving nothing untouched, while being the top gossiper."
"You... you guys..."
Zhang Dongmei was nearly choked with anger, her face turning red, unable to speak for a long while.
Just then, Chen Meilan walked over.
The three immediately returned to their respective counters and pretended to work diligently.
Chen Meilan walked around with her hands behind her back and stuck a red notice in a prominent spot.
As soon as the lunch break arrived, a group eagerly gathered around out of curiosity.
"Sales Manager Recruitment Notice? What’s that mean?"
"It seems like it’s saying anyone who feels competent can apply for the Sales Manager position. Is there really such a good opportunity? I have to sign up."
"You? Applying for Sales Manager? You’re at the bottom of the sales charts every month."
"Can’t I at least try? The notice says anyone who feels competent can sign up. I feel competent; got a problem with that?"
A crowd gathered, discussing around the notice.
Zhang Dongmei, squeezed at the back of the crowd, saw Su Xiaoxiao and Zhang Yulan approaching and raised her voice deliberately, "Some people boast that the General Manager would make them Sales Manager. Look, isn’t that a slap in the face?"
Worried that Su Xiaoxiao would be upset, Zhang Yulan hurriedly consoled her, "Xiaoxiao, don’t listen to her nonsense. There’s nothing great about being the Sales Manager; constant worries every day. Being a sales clerk is much more carefree for us."
It seemed Zhang Yulan also doubted the General Manager would appoint her as Sales Manager.
Su Xiaoxiao sighed, oh well, she’d prove it with facts sooner or later.
She was determined to get the Sales Manager position anyway.
The suggestion to let everyone compete fairly was also to prove herself better.
"Tch, talking big without fearing biting your tongue. If she becomes the Sales Manager, I’ll take her surname."
Seeing Su Xiaoxiao not responding, Zhang Dongmei assumed she felt guilty and became more smug.
Su Xiaoxiao met her gaze and said, "Fine, we’ll see about that. Don’t regret it."
"What’s there for me to regret? If you can become the Sales Manager, pigs might fly."
Zhang Dongmei had long been dissatisfied with Su Xiaoxiao, wondering why with similar starting points at the department store, Su Xiaoxiao had such good luck. Not only appreciated by the management but also popular among colleagues, always overshadowing her. She was unconvinced.
Zhang Yulan nudged her, "Xiaoxiao, don’t bother with her. Let’s go eat, or all the good dishes will be gone."
"Alright, Sister Zhang, let’s go eat."
Su Xiaoxiao glanced over Zhang Dongmei, lifted her foot, and followed Zhang Yulan out.
She wouldn’t indulge in this petty argument but would let facts speak for her, which would surely infuriate Zhang Dongmei.
With their arms linked, the two left, while Zhang Dongmei stomped her foot in anger behind them, wondering how long Su Xiaoxiao could stay smug.
By the time Su Xiaoxiao and Zhang Yulan reached the cafeteria, many were already lined up for food.
The two quickly chose a line with relatively fewer people.
Today’s lunch included braised tofu, pork and cabbage stew with vermicelli, and stir-fried shredded potatoes — all dishes Su Xiaoxiao loved.
When it was her turn, she got a serving of pork and cabbage stew with vermicelli and a serving of braised tofu.
Xu Zhaodi was serving the food. Upon seeing her, she smiled and gave her two heaped spoonfuls, making those around almost cry with envy.
Su Xiaoxiao also took two cornbread buns, carrying her full lunchbox back.
Thanks to her, Zhang Yulan also got a full lunchbox. They walked together, looking for seats.
"Xiaoxiao, Sister Zhang, sit here."
Qin Shuang had already saved seats for both of them and waved them over as they approached with their lunchboxes.
Seeing Qin Shuang, Su Xiaoxiao was about to head over when she suddenly caught a glimpse of a foot extending from the side out of the corner of her eye.
Turning her head, she saw that the foot belonged to none other than her nemesis, Zhang Dongmei.
It was obvious what this person was trying to do.
Trying to trip her?
Zhang Dongmei was really childish.
Su Xiaoxiao smirked.
As she approached, she raised her leg higher, accurately stepping down hard on Zhang Dongmei’s foot.
Zhang Dongmei let out a sharp scream, nearly jumping out of her chair.
"Su Xiaoxiao, are you blind? Didn’t you see my foot there? Did you do it on purpose?"
Zhang Dongmei had intended to trip her but ended up being stepped on fiercely by Su Xiaoxiao instead, her foot aching intensely now.
Hearing this, Su Xiaoxiao feigned surprise and spoke.
"Oh dear, Mr. Zhang, I’m really sorry. I was just walking along, how was I to know your foot would suddenly stick out? No wonder the floor felt so uneven."
The implication was that she was just walking properly while Zhang Dongmei suddenly stuck her foot out.
Why would someone stick their foot out? The intention was self-evident.
"How can Mr. Zhang behave like this? People were walking normally, and she sticks her foot out to trip them, then has the nerve to complain. How shameless."
"Exactly, eating peacefully, and then stretching your foot out without any ulterior motives? Serves her right."
"Trying to outsmart Su Comrade but instead getting hurt herself. Now, she’s just ashamed."
The crowd chimed in, causing Zhang Dongmei’s face to turn red and white, like a Beijing opera face change.
She glared at Su Xiaoxiao with hatred, gritting her teeth, "Su Xiaoxiao, don’t get too smug. I’m also going to compete for the Sales Manager position. Let’s see how it goes."
